Seafire F.XVII, SX273/So50, 709 Squadron, RNAS St Merryn, 1945

In my quest for a collection of Seafires I decided this would be my only model of this mark.

The Subject

My research, albeit not first hand nor with clear documentation to support my suppositions, led me to conclude that a squadron whose number began with a “7” was either a training squadron or at best an Operational Training Unit (OTU) for the FAA. Because I liked the scheme it was obvious this aircraft was used for teaching other pilots who were working up for deployments to the Pacific, either on Fireflies, Seafires or other FAA types.

The Seafire 17 was the penultimate Seafire that used the basic Spitfire wing plan. While the Seafire XV was essentially a Mk VIII fuselage with Griffon engine and Seafire III wings and A-frame hook, the Seafire XVII realized purpose designed improvements to the airframe. Wider track to the landing gear, better oleos to improve bounce on landing, strengthened wing, and full rear view (bubble) canopy. The type was only marginally improved by the later 46/47 with the newer wing.

When the war ended of course production was scaled back. The Seafire F.17 never deployed in combat, having effectively been withdrawn by the time the Korean War started. Most were scrapped but a few soldiered on during the late 40’s and early 50’s in training roles and the occasional “show the flag” deployment.

The Model

This is the very high quality CMR resin kit. In terms of accuracy there isn’t better. Every possible option is available in the box, and the only negative point is possibly the vac canopy…simply because it’s a vac. I had now issues with the canopy and it went on straight away, the second one is now in my spares box.

Construction was straightforward. I used cyano glues and took care to ensure seams were spot on and the sanding was minimal. Lots of dry fitting up front because I knew I didn’t want to build a second and my objective was to do it right the first time. This was my 3rd CMR kit so my confidence was high.

Paints are mainly Testors Acryl paints. I was still experimenting with the “right” Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey, as well as a proper Sky. For these I used Testors Dark Sea Grey and Slate Grey, because all other paints just appeared much too dark. For Sky I used ANA Sky but toned it down with some light gray (Ghost Gray if memory serves me). Subsequently I’ve decided the “best” Sky is Humbrol 90 but with a bit of white added. This combination just looks right to my eye, and every time I see it on my shelf next to other Seafires and FAA types, it’s very obvious which one has the “right” Temperate Sea Scheme.

Decals come from the kit and went on with no trouble.

Summary

Of all the Seafires this one is my favorite. It has the sleek lines of the later Griffon Spits and it’s a shame it saw limited service. But the jet age had started and with the war over, there just wasn’t room for it.

Thanks for looking…